Across India, certain sacred temples honour Goddess Durga as Mahishasuramardini or the slayer of evil Mahishasura. Discover the temples that preserve the legend of Mahishasuramardini, from ancient cave art to Shakti Peeths...
Mahishasuramardini Cave Temple, Mamallapuram
A UNESCO site, Tamil Nadu's 7th-century rock-cut cave temple have a famous relief carving of Durga slaying the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura.
Chamundeshwari Temple, Chamundi Hills, Mysuru
Located 13 km from Mysuru in Karnataka, deity Chamundeshwari, a form of Durga, is believed to have slain Mahishasura here, hence the name Mahishooru, which became Mysuru.
Kanaka Durga Temple, Indrakeeladri Hill, Vijayawada
Presiding deity Kanaka Durga is worshipped at this Andhra Pradesh temple and is associated with legends of power, protective energy, slaying of demons. A major pilgrimage site, especially during Navaratri.
Biraja Temple, Jajpur
One of the Shakti Peeths and located in Odisha, the goddess is portrayed here in the act of defeating Mahishasura and thus a historically and culturally important shrine.
Lakshana Devi Temple, Bharmour
An ancient temple of Himachal Pradesh from a post-Gupta era, the main deity is Devi Durga in Mahishasuramardini pose; known for its age and beautiful wooden architecture.
Mahishamardini Temple Complex, Sergarh, Balasore
At this Odisha temple dedicated to Mahishamardini, Goddess Durga is in an eight-armed pose slaying Mahishasura, making this a special pilgrimage point for devotees in the region for Navratri/Dussehra.
Kadiyali or Mahishamardini Temple, Kadiyali, Udupi,
One of the older temples in this region of Karnataka, over 1,000 years old, it is devoted to Mahishamardini.